Overview

• Greenpeace India surveyed 500 households across 12 resettlement colonies and slum clusters in a rapid audit released on August 18.
• Nearly 80% of respondents reported shortages during March–July, with 34% relying on private suppliers, 29% on Delhi Jal Board tankers, and 21% on water ATMs.
• Families reported paying ₹15–₹30 per gallon to vendors, spending roughly ₹500–₹1,500 a month, with many cutting back on food, healthcare or schooling and 37% losing work or class time in queues.
• Despite an April pledge to install 3,000 water ATMs, only 20 were in place by June and none were in the audited settlements, with breakdowns reported where ATMs exist.
• The audit notes a demand–supply gap, with 37% needing 20–25 litres daily but only 28% receiving enough—often only after paying—and urges expanded ATM access by 2026.